Canada

Trump Reaffirms Controversial View: Canada Would Prosper as 51st US State, Says White House

Trump Reaffirms Controversial View: Canada Would Prosper as 51st US State, Says White House

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump continues to stand by his longstanding and contentious belief that Canada would significantly benefit from becoming the 51st state of the United States, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt addressed queries regarding Trump’s recent silence on the issue. “I would reject the notion that the president’s stance on Canada has changed,” she said. “He simply hasn’t been asked about it recently. But let me be clear, President Trump maintains that Canadians would thrive as part of the United States, particularly given the subsidies the…
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PM Mark Carney Condemns Russia’s Attack on Sumy, Reaffirms Canada’s Support for Ukraine

PM Mark Carney Condemns Russia’s Attack on Sumy, Reaffirms Canada’s Support for Ukraine

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a strong statement condemning Russia’s latest assault on civilians in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, calling it a continuation of an “unjustified war of aggression.” His comments come as the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates, with mounting civilian casualties and international pressure for a ceasefire. “Today, Russia chose once again to prolong its unjustified war of aggression on Ukraine by attacking innocent civilians in Sumy,” Carney said in a statement released Saturday. “Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and wounded in this brutal attack.” https://twitter.com/MarkJCarney/status/1911449259196457222 The Prime Minister underscored Ukraine’s…
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Donald Trump Eases Global Tariffs but Leaves Canadian Trade Terms Untouched

Donald Trump Eases Global Tariffs but Leaves Canadian Trade Terms Untouched

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has slightly softened his aggressive global tariff stance following days of market volatility, though no changes have been made to the duties currently impacting Canada. In a move that surprised international observers, Trump announced a 90-day suspension on some of the steepest tariffs imposed under his “reciprocal” trade model. However, a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports from most countries will continue to apply, according to a clarification issued later by a White House official. Since returning to the presidency earlier this year, Trump has pursued an assertive approach to reshaping global trade,…
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Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11

Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11 to explore avenues to enhance interprovincial and international trade and investment ties. While in Montreal, Premier Smith will be focused on building connections and opportunities between Alberta and Quebec in meetings with Quebec-based private sector leaders in energy, manufacturing, aviation and transportation. Discussions will be centered on highlighting Alberta as a partner of choice for trade and investment, as well as identifying opportunities to remove red tape and barriers to interprovincial trade. “As a nation, we are facing a great amount of uncertainty…
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Canada Federal Elections 2025: Gujaratis Step Into Canadian Politics

Canada Federal Elections 2025: Gujaratis Step Into Canadian Politics

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): While Canada prepares for its 45th federal election on April 28, 2025, the Indian diaspora has started to play an influential role in the nation’s politics. This year marks a significant shift in development, as candidates of Gujarati origin are making their electoral debut, while Punjabi politicians look to secure another term in office. The Indian-origin communities in Canada represent a vibrant tapestry of cultures, including Punjabis, Gujaratis, Malayalis, and Bengalis. While many Indian immigrants have established themselves in Canada through skilled professions or academic pursuits, Punjabis and Gujaratis are particularly prominent in entrepreneurial and business circles.…
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Canada Enforces 25% Tariff on Select US Vehicle Imports Amid Trade Tensions

Canada Enforces 25% Tariff on Select US Vehicle Imports Amid Trade Tensions

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has officially started enforcing a 25 percent tariff on certain automobile imports from the United States, marking a significant development amid the ongoing trade dispute with Washington. The tariff's enforcement took effect just after midnight on Wednesday. It is reportedly a direct response to US tariffs imposed under the administration of President Donald Trump. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne issued a statement on Tuesday, stating Canada’s resolve: “Our government will continue to push back strongly against any unjustified and unreasonable trade actions.” The new tariff, initially unveiled by Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, targets vehicles imported…
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Canada Increases Minimum Wage, A Huge Relief for Indian Workers and Students

Canada Increases Minimum Wage, A Huge Relief for Indian Workers and Students

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a move aimed at easing financial pressure amid soaring living costs, the Canadian government has announced a major relief for Indian workers and students through an increase in the federal minimum wage. The decision is expected to particularly benefit the large Indian diaspora residing in the country. Effective from April 1, the hourly federal minimum wage for employees in federally regulated private-sector jobs has been increased from CAD 17.30 to CAD 17.75. The 2.4 percent hike showcases Canada’s efforts to adjust wages in line with inflation, as determined by the annual Consumer Price Index. Steven MacKinnon,…
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Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory for the US Following Actor’s Detention

Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory for the US Following Actor’s Detention

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian government has revised its travel advisory for citizens heading to the United States, warning travelers to prepare for heightened security checks and possible scrutiny at U.S. border crossings. The update comes a month after Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney — known for her role in American Pie — was reportedly detained by U.S. immigration authorities in San Diego, California. Stricter Checks and Device Screenings In the advisory updated on April 4, Ottawa cautioned Canadian travelers to be "compliant and forthcoming" when interacting with U.S. border officials. The updated guidance also notes that American authorities are authorized…
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Canadian PM Mark Carney Visits BAPS Mandir on Ram Navami; Hindu Group Raises Concerns Over Representation

Canadian PM Mark Carney Visits BAPS Mandir on Ram Navami; Hindu Group Raises Concerns Over Representation

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto to participate in Ram Navami celebrations, extending his greetings to the Hindu community during the auspicious occasion. Marking his first visit to the temple, Carney joined worshippers in celebrating the start of the Ram Navami festival, which signifies the culmination of the nine-day Navratri celebration and honors the birth of Lord Ram. On Sunday, Carney wrote to X (formerly Twitter): “Joined Hindu community members at the @BAPS_Toronto Mandir yesterday for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations. Thank you for sharing your traditions and…
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1 in Canada: Albertans recycle more than other Canadians

1 in Canada: Albertans recycle more than other Canadians

National Times Bureau, April 3, 2025: After narrowly being beaten out by Prince Edward Island in 2022, Alberta is back on top, regaining the highest beverage container return rate in all of Canada. In 2024, Albertans returned more than two billion cans, bottles and other containers, or 85 per cent of all non-refillable beverage containers. The national average was a paltry 76 per cent. Runners-up include Saskatchewan at 84 per cent, British Columbia at 83 per cent, Ontario at 75 per cent and Quebec at 68 per cent. Alberta also continues to rapidly gain in the North American rankings, going…
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